Should I Buy A R730

Hello everyone, I'm needing a new laptop with a 17" display. I will use it for writing both documents & music. I also want to be able to watch an odd film on it. *The keyboard quality is very important*

My budget is £500.

I have had my eye on the Samsung R730 T4400 laptop along with a similar spec Asus & Toshiba L550.

I really don't know what to go for - this is a big buy for me as I'm not made of money.

I see the R730 has those weird non-sloping mac-style keys - should I stay away from the R730?

Thanks for all you help!

Everyday - Notebook Computers | SAMSUNG

Satellite L550-1C9 - Product Specifications - Toshiba

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.

 

My method for deciding between similar computers is to make a table listing all the features and give a score for each of these depending on how well they match my needs.

For example, the Toshiba has a USB/eSATA combo port which means that external eSATA HDDs can be connected (these run as fast as if they are internal) but the Samsung is less heavy and includes an HDMI port. The Asus is the heaviest.

I would also download and scrutinise the user guides which may reveal other included / excluded features (eg the Toshiba might have an HDMI port although it is not listed in the specs).

The difference in CPU speed is insignificant.

John

 

Thanks for that John, I will certainly take your advice & download the manuals.

Do you have any experience using any of these laptops? Although feature set is important, a poor keyboard is a potential deal breaker. Weight is not really an issue. I would like to attach an external monitor or television - although, this is not completely necessary.

I am not in the position to try out any laptops for feel. The only store within a reasonable distance of me has a pathetic stock of horrible Acer and HP laptops. Even travelling to that store takes an ice age!

I have read rumours about poor keyboards existing in most manufacturers’ laptops; it would be a disaster if I received a laptop with a poor keyboard.

 

I don't have first-hand experience of any of the computers you list. You will have to rely on reviews of any similar recent models from the respective manufacturers. Trusted Reviews have looked at some Samsungs such as the R530. Also check out this forum. There were some reports of keyboard problems.

As a general rule, you can expect thinner computers to have keyboards with less travel since that's one way to reduce the overall thickness.

John

 

Do you know anything about this machine? I don't understand why it's so inexpensive!
I promised myself never to buy a HP or Compaq computer - as I've been told they're unreliable and their failure rate is high. However, a great deal might just sway me - I mean, it wont suddenly blow up will it?!?!

HP G72-101sa Laptop - Laptops at Ebuyer

PS After researching, it seems toshiba laptops offer the best keyboard. The samsung r780 seems to have probelems with the keyboard - so I wonder how bad the r730 is! Apparently, the spacebar is very unresponsive in the R780 laptops. I really couldn't find any info on the asus keyboard. I'm thinking of upping my budget to £550, for a little more I would get an i3 processor. I'm still unsure though!

 

I can't comment on the HP.

I wonder, if a good keyboard is a key requirement, then a business grade notebook would be a better investment. For example, a Dell Vostro from Dell outlet (prices are before VAT) or an ebay reseller. I would recommend the Dell E series Latitude keyboard, but they only go to 15". Business machines also tend to have matte screens, so no nasty reflections to stare at all day although they may not be quite so stylish.

John

 

Thanks again John

I've decided on buying a ASUS K72F

Asus K72F-TY011V, Multimedia Mainstream, K72F-TY011V- Discount Laptops Asus Sale Laptop Uk Best Buy Notebook Computer deal

Asus are not the best for support apparently, I hope I don't need them!

The samsung laptops have definate spacebar problems, some users have even returned their computer thinking there was a mechanical fault. The R530 & R780 both seem to suffer from the same problem.

I would have bought a toshiba business laptop if I could afford it - I'm not too impressed with what I've heard about Dell business & home laptops. There are many complaints about dodgy keyboards.

A matt screen would have been great, for some reason they are not offered on cheaper laptops now. I read somewhere asus screens are anti-glare - I'll take that with a tbsp of salt though!

Anyway, I'll report back once I purchase the machine & tell you how I'm getting on - will be a few weeks yet.

 

"I've decided on buying a ASUS K72F"

No I Haven't!!!

I'm staying away from those rotten chiclet keys!

Back to the drawing board